Local options abound

Published: Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:18 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:18 p.m.

Editor: After reading Mr. (Rick) Lomax's letter about the lack of restaurants in Lexington, I decided to do some light research. I used a very unscientific method; I opened the telephone book and counted the number of restaurants located in Lexington.

There are by my counting 80 restaurants located within the city limits. Of that amount, 57 are locally owned, and 23 are chain restaurants. I then attempted to break them down into categories of their main fare that is served. There are four Japanese, nine Chinese, five Mexican, five Italian, two seafood, eight pizza, four Biscuit, 12 home-style (diverse menu), five café, nine barbecue, and 17 fast food (chicken, hamburgers and submarines). That seems to be a very broad spectrum of choices. I believe all 12 of the home-style, all five of the Mexican and one of the seafood serve steak.

As for another hardware chain, there are four locally owned stores that offer friendly, knowledgeable service; the same or better quality products; and often for lower prices.

If more people would spend their dollars locally, then local businesses would have reason to expand to meet the growing demand for their product. I buy locally whether I am buying for my company or for my personal use. Give the locals a chance; you will be appreciated for the business and pleased with your purchase.

<p>Editor: After reading Mr. (Rick) Lomax's letter about the lack of restaurants in Lexington, I decided to do some light research. I used a very unscientific method; I opened the telephone book and counted the number of restaurants located in Lexington.</p><p>There are by my counting 80 restaurants located within the city limits. Of that amount, 57 are locally owned, and 23 are chain restaurants. I then attempted to break them down into categories of their main fare that is served. There are four Japanese, nine Chinese, five Mexican, five Italian, two seafood, eight pizza, four Biscuit, 12 home-style (diverse menu), five café, nine barbecue, and 17 fast food (chicken, hamburgers and submarines). That seems to be a very broad spectrum of choices. I believe all 12 of the home-style, all five of the Mexican and one of the seafood serve steak.</p><p>As for another hardware chain, there are four locally owned stores that offer friendly, knowledgeable service; the same or better quality products; and often for lower prices.</p><p>If more people would spend their dollars locally, then local businesses would have reason to expand to meet the growing demand for their product. I buy locally whether I am buying for my company or for my personal use. Give the locals a chance; you will be appreciated for the business and pleased with your purchase.</p><p>Scott Wertman</p><p>Lexington</p>